One
of the most in demand session and performing guitarists over the past
25 yearsas well as one who gained acclaim working with pop giants
like Elton John, Dylan, Roger McGuinn and Bonnie Raitt, as well as
earning widespread acclaim with his early 90s band, The HellecastersJohn
Jorgenson released two new studio albums in early 2010. The first
of these CD releases, One Stolen Night is the follow-up to
Ultraspontanethe first release credited to the John Jorgenson
Quintet. Fans of Ultraspontane will dig One Stolen Night
as it too focuses on Johns love of the Gypsy Jazz guitar sound
while also spotlighting all manners of rock, classical, World Beat
and even bluegrass influences. Jorgensons guitar work simply
shines in this magical setting that also allows him band leading chores
while also writing a good chunk of the music here. With Jorgenson
handling guitars, bouzouki, clarinet and soprano sax, the CD also
features contributions from Jason Anick (violin), Simon
Planting (bass), Rick Reed (percussion), Kevin Nolan
(rhythm guitar) and several other supporting players. Produced
and mixed by Jorgensonwho
also engineered along with Rory RositasOne
Stolen Night contains mostly Jorgenson originals that sound like
they could have been written back in the late 1940s! Rhythm
guitarist Kevin Nolan contributes a track and among the covers are
Edvard Griegs Norwegian Dance and a Django Reinhardt
track called Hungaria. Jorgensons Gypsy Jazz sound
continues onward as being among the most authentic and convincing
of all the modern Gypsy Jazz guitarists on the music scene today.
Long time fans of the Jorgenson guitar legacy, as well as Django buffs
will simply flip for this five-star collection of modern Gypsy Jazz
on CD. But why stop there?
Also out in early 2010 from John Jorgenson is the CD release of Istiqbal
Gathering from John Jorgenson And Orchestra Nashville.
A studio collaboration between Jorgenson and Paul Gambillconductor
of Orchestra NashvilleIsiqbal Gathering was recorded
live at Ocean Way Nashville and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
In addition to Jorgenson's guitar paired with the Orchestra Nashville,
the 6 part, 50+ minute CD also features The Turtle Island Quartet.
Jorgensons dad, James Jorgenson was actually the inspiration
for this ingenious mix of swirling orchestral strings and Gypsy Jazz
guitar. A superbly recorded retro sounding, symphonic Gypsy Jazz experience
featuring Johns impeccable guitar styles, Isiqbal Gathering
is a great companion release to the One Stolen Night CD.
Clearly, both CDs stand tall as a testament to Jorgensons
one of a kind guitar talent and technique, while also serving as a
tasteful tribute to the amazing guitar legacy of Django Reinhardt,
who its noted celebrates his 100th birthday on January 23, 2010.
www.JohnJorgenson.com